Business updates

Total exports for the first quarter of 2018 including domestic exports, re-exports and excluding ship’s stores and bunkers amounted to Rs 15 billion, 13.8% less compared to the corresponding quarter of 2017.

Domestic exports amounting to Rs 11 billion, accounted for 75.4% of total exports in the first quarter of 2018. Compared to a value of Rs 13 billion recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017, domestic exports dropped by 12.7%, while comparison against the corresponding quarter of 2017 shows a decrease of 5%.

Analysis by exports destination for the first quarter of 2018 showed that the European countries remained our main markets, importing some 50% of our total exports. The major destinations were UK (12.8%), France (11.2%), South Africa (10.4%), USA (9.4%), Italy (6.5%). Compared to the corresponding quarter 2017, exports to UK remained nearly unchanged and exports to Germany, South Africa and Netherlands have increased. While on the other hand, exports to USA, Reunion, Madagascar, Italy, France and Spain have dropped.

Total imports for the first quarter of 2018 amounted to Rs 39 billion, showing a decrease of 4.9% compared to the corresponding quarter of 2017. During the first quarter of 2018, Asia was our main supplier with imports originating mainly from India (17.2%) and China (13.8%). The other major suppliers were South Africa (10.8%) and France (8.8%).

Based on recent past trends and information from various sources, Statistics Mauritius has forecasted total exports for 2018 at around Rs 84 billion and imports at Rs 193 billion.

The full report can be downloaded from the website of Statistics Mauritius here.